EXCLUSIVE: What design elements make a BMW Coupe a BMW?

From Udo Lidner's press presentation:

Besides sportiness, the new 3 Series Coupe had to be an elegant car. That is why we balanced its styling between our design principles—short overhangs, a long hood and a set-back greenhouse. Long doors and very flat front and rear ends accentuate this.

To create elegant styling, the silhouette could not be wedge-shaped—you need harmonious tension from the hood to the roof.

The closer you approach the car you discover the bright and dark transitions and finally, you see the 3-dimensional shape.

UPshift - 8/10/2006 11:39:02 PM

+1 Boost

It can be shaped like anything, but to be a BMW, it has to have kidney grilles and the Hoffmeister Kink.

"Harmonious tension"? Isn't that kind of an oxymoron?

IamEvilHomer - 8/10/2006 11:44:37 PM

+1 Boost

design- let me think Pontiac's Chris Bangle strikes again with a unflowing design that is uninspired

Jovi - 8/10/2006 11:51:58 PM

+1 Boost

Its just gotta have the blue and white propellers representing the Bayerische colors... thats what makes a BMW...

UPshift - 8/10/2006 11:54:58 PM

+1 Boost

My favorite is still a 1991 318is coupe. Not the fastest, but a fun, tossable car with only enough frills to make it liveable.

Jovi - 8/11/2006 2:01:53 AM

+1 Boost

efoxS4...

So what? Its not about BMW is better, its about BMW designs, nothing about being better than any other company, just about its distinct styling...

RefuG - 8/11/2006 3:35:38 AM

+1 Boost

Let the hatin begin.

G

lewissalem - 8/11/2006 9:57:32 AM

+1 Boost

Will- you are correct. Short overhangs are key. This is what I don't like about some of the new product coming out of Ingolstadt.

Yonder7 - 8/11/2006 11:04:27 AM

+1 Boost

Well I am MB lover, but dam, that car is nice, but just like in the new CLK63 (I am not doing a compare cause they are diferent class), the rear end do not match the front, looks to bland. Last M3 looks more agreesive. May be with some sport package it will improve. The other think tha I like is the old system the MB create to make easier to reach the setbelt for front passengers, It is in use since more than 20 years ago, but it is realy good to make you remember to use the Belt. No other lights Front lights like those, beautiful. And Will the rear overhang is OK but as I told , looks bland, and shorter it will look like the C coupe: another ugly frog.